ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -In Shakespeare’s day, female parts were played by male actors, while more recently, actresses have taken on some of his most famous male roles such as Hamlet and Julius Caesar. Clare McManus explores gender in the history of Shakespeare performance.

Detailed explanation-2: -Women were not allowed to be on the stage because it was considered “dangerous.” Men played male characters as well as female characters! “The Greeks believed that allowing women to perform publicly would be too dangerous and that having men portray them neutralized the danger.” (Source) So what about the Romans?

Detailed explanation-3: -Men have been playing female roles on stage since the earliest days of theater. As far back as ancient Greece, women were barred from appearing on stage, and the female roles in Shakespeare were first performed by men.

Detailed explanation-4: -Traditionally, the noun actor referred to a male performer, while actress was used to describe a female. These days, it’s become more common to use actor for players of any gender.